Sam the Salamander

Meet Sam - the new Stormwater Quality mascot. Sam is a Sonoran Tiger Salamander, an amphibian that can only be found in a small part of southern Arizona and Northern Mexico.

Sam is capable of surviving both in water and on land. He's an indicator animal meaning he is sensitive to water quality and pollutants. Sam is going to assist in educating us about keeping stormwater pollutants from reaching our waterways so that he can have a clean, healthy habitat.

Fast Facts

Can grow up to 13-15 inches long

Terrestrial salamanders lose their gills and tail crest and move to land, but they can also live in water.

Olive-gray in color, but as a terrestrial salamander is black with yellow spots and stripes

Feeds on a variety of insects, worms, and snails

They are amphibians and unfortunately, are on the endangered species list.